NEW CASTLE, Ind. — Aggravated identity theft is not commonly heard of, but that's exactly what two New Castle correctional officers recently pled guilty to, landing them in prison for three years.
The federal crime occurs when someone uses another person's identification to commit a felony or partake in other illegal activities.
According to court documents, 34-year-old Martins Chidiobi and 38-year-old Lawrence Onyesonwu had worked at the New Castle Correctional Facility and stole at least five inmates' personally identifiable information: names, date of births and social security numbers.
With the stolen identities, the two opened at least nine accounts at banks using fraudulent passports — that included pictures of the two men but the names and information of the identity theft victims.
A total of $331,282 was deposited into the bank accounts, according to the documents. The DOJ said most of it was withdrawn as cash, and a "large portion" was transferred into Nigerian bank accounts.
Investigators say most of that money came from "romance" scams and other fraud schemes.
“It is simply reprehensible for correctional officers to exploit their positions to steal inmates’ identities and further the financial exploitation of scam victims,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Transnational fraud schemes have lasting repercussions for victims all over the country, and everyone who commits these crimes must be held accountable."
After pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft and making false statements to a financial institution, the two former correctional officers must spend three years in prison followed by two years of supervised release and a $5,000 fine.
“This sentence highlights the FBI’s resolve to investigate and prosecute those who exploit their authority for personal gain. The men and women of the FBI are committed to showing respect for the dignity of all those we protect including victims who are incarcerated,” FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton said. “I am extremely proud of the work we do to protect the rights of all Americans.”
